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It is hard to believe, but summer is winding down. After months of spending our leisure time enjoying outdoor activities, like gardening and grilling, the upcoming cooler weather means we will be heading back indoors. When it’s chilly outside, there is nothing nicer than walking into a cozy, comfortable home. However, you don’t have to wait for the temperatures to dip to create an environment that exudes warmth. When interior designers discuss warm spaces, they are talking about much more than thermostats. A warm interior is one that feels intimate, relaxed, and most of all, welcoming. In most cases, you can add warmth to your home with some relatively easy, inexpensive changes.
Making your rooms feel comforting begins with knowing how to use color and texture. Warm colors include tones of red, yellow, and orange. For inspiration, think about the hues of fall foliage and the flames in your fireplace. Warm colors make a room feel cheerful and inviting. There are so many shades to choose from that you are bound to find several that will work well in your home.
Walls painted warm colors tend to “advance,” which means rooms may appear smaller. These shades are great for large rooms that seem cold and smaller rooms that lack a feeling of intimacy. When choosing warm colors for your walls, think carefully about how you use the space. While you may be drawn to strong colors such as cherry red, brick or raspberry, not everyone can relax when surrounded by dramatic tones. With this in mind, you might want to limit saturated reds to foyers and other smaller areas where your family and guests do not spend time unwinding. You may also want to consider red in the dining room, since studies show it can unconsciously spark appetites and conversation. Lighter shades of coral and golden yellows work great in family rooms and kitchens because they create instant warmth while remaining understated. Even if you prefer white walls, there are still plenty of options. White paint with names like butter, bone, vanilla, candlelight, and antique generally mean that the shade has warm yellow or taupe undertones.
After you have chosen a wall color, focus on fabric and accessories. Think in terms of layering fabric, much like you add layers of clothing to your body when it is cold outside. Your layers should include a variety of warm colors and textures. The easiest way is to start with pillows and throws on your couches, chairs, and beds. Throws are very popular right now and come in many beautiful materials and textures. Some of the newest trends include cashmere and super-cozy chenille in amber, pumpkin, and pink.
Don’t be afraid to use pillows in unexpected places. Put a few on a mudroom bench for instant comfort when you sit down to pull on or take off your boots. Stack a few structured, boxy pillows by the hearth. Your children will love using them for lounging and you’ll love the burst of color they add to your room. No matter where you place them, try to use pillows and throws that compliment your existing décor. For instance, knitted throws are great in casual homes, but if you strive for sophisticated luxury, choose quilted silk, damask, and tasseled designs.
Don’t forget layers on the floor. Hardwood and tile floors will look and feel much warmer when covered with rugs. If your large family room feels lifeless, visually separate it into cozy nooks by using rugs to define areas. Break the space into comfy sections perfect for curling up with a book or watching television. You can also layer rugs over low-pile carpeting. For example, a rich Oriental pattern creates another layer of texture when placed on top of neutral berber. Invest in a good a rug-pad to keep it from bunching.
For a long time, “warm” and “cozy” have been synonymous with country-inspired décor. After all, when it comes to comfort, it is hard to beat the rustic finishes found in French country homes or the coziness of American country patchwork quilts. However, if you use your imagination, you can make all spaces feel warmer without sacrificing your décor style. Even modern and contemporary interiors are starting to incorporate shots of warmth. Sleek, modern kitchen appliances and counters look less sterile when paired with warm tile backsplashes. If you prefer bedroom furniture with clean, sharp lines, try softening the look with a simple upholstered headboard. The texture of the fabric will make the room more inviting.
Another way to add warmth to your home is to think globally. Sometimes rooms lack warmth because they look like they came straight from a furniture showroom. There is nothing cozy about a boring ensemble of matching couches and end tables. Comfortable rooms exude personality. Accessories and artwork from other cultures look great when paired with many furniture styles. You may find that just adding a red Chinese chest or a couple African wooden bowls and sculptures to your room will make the space more interesting, and therefore, welcoming. Earthy, rattan baskets will not only hold your magazines, they’ll provide another layer of texture. In a formal room, don’t be afraid to add a striking piece of folk art to break up monotonous design. The main thing when adding eclectic accessories is to not overdo it. Although mixing styles is exciting, you still want your rooms to have an overall theme. Don’t try to fit artwork from all seven continents in your space. Also avoid adding too many pieces. Stick to a few, well placed accessories. Clutter does not feel warm or relaxing.
Another tried and true way to add warmth to your home is to light some candles. The soft, flickering light makes nearly every space seem more beautiful and romantic. Plus, next to a home-cooked meal, nothing can make your house smell more inviting then the right candles. Scent is a powerful way to create mood in a room. If you want to evoke the feelings of a cozy home, put away your floral scents and replace them with fragrances of pine, cinnamon, or bayberry. Experiment with different brands until you find a pleasing scent because many on the market can be overwhelming.
Finally, rooms are warmest when they reflect the love of the people who live in them. Don’t be afraid to display what makes you and your family unique. A collection of family photographs, artwork bought during a favorite vacation, or an antique from your childhood home will provide more comfort than any store bought accessories.
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